1. Earth Science Mr. Kennel
The Scientific Method
Earth Science
Mr. Kennel

2. What is Science?
Science: a systematic approach to solving problems involving testing explanations and predictions about the Universe
The Scientific Method: techniques for gathering information

3. The Scientific Method Asking a Question Forming a Hypothesis
Setting Up a Controlled Experiment
Collecting Data
Analyzing Results
Drawing Conclusions

4. Asking Questions Asking a Question: all science starts with a question
Hypothesis: suggested explanation to a scientific questions
Prediction: possible answer to a hypothesis

5. Finding Answers
Some questions can be answered simply by collecting data (survey)
Experiment: an organized procedure that involves making measurements and observations

6. Parts of an Experiment
Independent Variable: factor that is manipulated by the experimenter
Dependent Variable: factor that changes as a result of the independent variable
Control: an unchanged factor used to show how an experiment tests the hypothesis

7. Looking an Conclusions
Once an experiment is complete, all of the data should be gathered and looked at in some form (table, graph, etc.)
This information should be compared to the hypothesis to see if a conclusion can be made
If not, another experiment should be designed to test the hypothesis in a different way

8. Answers
Theory: an explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments that is valid only if it:
1. Is consistent with observations
2. Makes predictions that can be tested
3. Is the simplest explanation of observations